ashley merrill & lunya

we're creating space for the brains behind the brands we love, and asking good questions along the way. the result is a deep dive into the how and why of brand-building, from blueprints to launch day, customers as community and the detours in between. big lessons, easy listening.

In this episode of Read Receipt, we are excited to welcome Ashley Merrill, the visionary founder and CEO of Lunya. Ashley’s journey from the world of business development and online media to creating a premium sleepwear brand is inspiring. Lunya, known for its innovative designs and high-quality fabrics, has redefined comfort and style for women at home. With the recent launch of the men's brand, Lago, Ashley continues to push boundaries in the sleepwear industry. Join us as Ashley shares the origin story of Lunya, the challenges of pivoting during the COVID-19 pandemic, and her insights on building a brand that prioritizes both functionality and aesthetics.

Tune in to learn about Ashley’s entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind her brands, and what's next for Lunya and Lago.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the conversation!
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the Show Notes

Summary:

Ashley Merrill, founder and CEO of Lunya, shares her remarkable journey from working in business development and online media to creating a premium sleepwear brand. After identifying a gap in the market for high-quality, functional sleepwear that made women feel both comfortable and stylish, Ashley launched Lunya in 2014. Recently, she expanded her vision with the launch of Lago, a men’s sleepwear brand. Ashley discusses the challenges of starting and scaling a business, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of building a brand that prioritizes both aesthetics and functionality. The conversation explores her entrepreneurial experiences, the development of Lunya and Lago, and her vision for the future.

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Keywords:

premium sleepwear, entrepreneurship, business development, online media, brand building, COVID-19 pivot, functional design, stylish loungewear, men’s sleepwear, Lunya, Lago

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Takeaways:

1. Ashley Merrill’s journey from business development to founding Lunya is marked by a passion for quality and innovation.
2. Lunya focuses on creating high-quality, functional sleepwear that makes women feel comfortable and stylish.
3. Building a brand involves understanding market gaps, listening to consumer needs, and maintaining a clear vision.
4. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unique challenges, but also opportunities for brands like Lunya to adapt and thrive.
5. Ashley’s commitment to functionality and aesthetics drives the success of both Lunya and Lago.

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Sound Bites:

• "I started Lunya to solve a personal problem of finding stylish and comfortable sleepwear."
• "Our goal is to create sleepwear that not only looks good but also performs well for everyday needs."
• "Building a brand requires understanding the market and staying true to your vision."
• "The COVID-19 pandemic forced us to pivot quickly, but it also highlighted the importance of our products."
• "Lunya and Lago are about making people feel good at home, both in terms of comfort and confidence."

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Chapters:

00:00 - Ashley’s Background and Journey-
Ashley introduces herself and shares her journey from business development and online media to founding Lunya.

08:01 - The Inspiration Behind Lunya-
Ashley discusses the personal need that inspired her to create Lunya and the early days of the brand.

12:30 - Transitioning from Business Development to Fashion-
Ashley explains her transition from business development to starting a fashion brand and the lessons learned.

23:17 - The Importance of Functionality and Style-
The conversation delves into how Lunya combines functionality with style in its sleepwear designs.

25:30 - Challenges and Opportunities During the Pandemic-
Ashley talks about the challenges of pivoting during the COVID-19 pandemic and the opportunities it presented.

27:26 - Commitment to Quality and Innovation-
Ashley highlights Lunya’s dedication to high-quality materials and innovative designs.

31:23 - Building a Strong Brand Identity-
The discussion explores the importance of a strong brand identity and connecting with consumers authentically.

36:02 - The Vision for Lunya and Lago-
Ashley shares her vision for the future of Lunya and Lago and her goals for the brands.

47:37 - Patience and Persistence in Entrepreneurship-
Ashley emphasizes the need for patience and persistence in achieving long-term success.

51:43 - Final Thoughts and Insights-
‍Ashley wraps up the conversation with final thoughts and valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.

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